How to Ask for a Raise

Do you feel that you are fairly compensated for the work that you do in your organization? How does your salary stack up to people in the same roles in other organizations? Do you believe that you have to wait until review time to ask for a raise? Many people who do not get the compensation they deserve, often do ask their bosses for a raise. It may be because many people feel uncomfortable talking about money. And they may also think that their bosses see the quality of the work they do, and will reward them accordingly. But making sure that you progress in the organization, getting the salary you deserve, is your responsibility.

How do you ask for a raise?

It may surprise you, but there is an art to asking for a raise, and if you understand the process, you are more likely to get it.

Step 1: Gather Evidence

Preparation is usually critical to getting the things you want in life. And your boss may not be aware of all your accomplishments. With this in mind:

• Gather all emails, notes, and other information, thanking you for the stellar work that you do.
• Gather customer commendations and positive testimonials.
• Put together awards you have won that are related to the work that you do.
• List all the important projects that you successfully completed.
• List all the systems that you have introduced.
• If you assisted (not lead) on important projects, list those as well, and the role you played.
• Know your worth. Gather salary information for positions similar to yours.

Step 2: Make Your Ask Matter!

• Language matters, so do not use words such as “I think.” Instead, talk about how the work you do contributes to the organization's bottom line, and how you plan to up your game even more in the future.
• Act with confidence, and not arrogance. Demonstrate to your boss that you believe in yourself and your ability to deliver what’s required for the job.
• Timing is everything, so do not approach your boss during a busy time when she is overwhelmed.
• Have a Plan B if your boss cannot authorize a salary increase. What more can you ask for?
• You have one shot to ask for a raise, so practice, practice, and practice your pitch. There is truth to the adage that practice makes perfect.

Step 3: Asking for the Raise

• You are not begging for a raise, you are asking for a raise because you deserve it, and you have the proof. There is a major difference between asking and begging.
• Never begin the conversation with a threat or ultimatum because that may anger your boss, and it is also not in good form or professional.
• Say what you practiced, without sounding researched. That means laying out your contributions, and what you plan to do in the future, to help the organization move forward.

Asking for a raise doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. By planning and following the steps above, you will remove any feelings of angst from the process because you are prepared. A little bit of preparation tends to go a long way.

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